By Dana Casadei

For many people Joe Louis Arena means hockey. But for those seeing Cirque du Soleil’s “Varekai,” the arena will now hold memories of high-flying gymnasts and dynamite costumes – not just game-winning saves or hockey sticks.

“Varekai,” directed by Dominic Champagne, is two hours of non-stop action. Not sword-fighting (OK, one scene has swords), car-chasing action, but the kind that leaves you wondering how these actors have the energy to get through the show without collapsing from exhaustion.

The title world, brought to life by set designer Stéphane Roy, is at the summit of a volcano in a forest. Shortly after the show begins, Icarus (Mark Halasi) literally drops into this new place. Icarus, a man living an isolated life, then adventures in this new world where anything seems possible. “Varekai” is a place where he can rediscover not only his newfound lease on life, but also the world around him.

Even though the plot description sounds simple and easy to follow, there seemed to be a lot of plot holes. I was left with more questions than answers once the show was over. Let’s be real, though: I was probably the only one there concerned about how well the plot flowed. This is the type of show that many go to because they know it’s going to be entertaining, which it is. I just wouldn’t be a critic without mentioning my plot concerns.

The show also incorporates two singers, which is a better idea in theory than actuality. At times the only reason I knew they were singing was because of the wild hand gestures and facial expressions that were made.

Now let’s get to the good stuff, because most of the show is really fun, despite what the previous two paragraphs suggest.

For starters, the acts themselves, ranging from flying acrobats to dancing to juggling, are impressive. These people have the sheer strength and flexibility to do things with their body that many of us couldn’t ever think possible.

The comedy in the show is played well, too. Like any good family-friendly production, there are jokes for both kids and adults to enjoy. That’s always an A+ in my book. Playing out a lot of the comedy is the duo of Steven Bishop and Gabriella Argento. These two steal the focus every time they’re on stage, even when there are people doing circus tricks around them.

Eiko Ishioka’s costumes are out-of-this-world amazing. The details on each unitard alone deserve recognition – especially once you consider how many costumes she had to create, and what the actors had to do in them without worrying about things riding up. The costumes really make me wish I could pull off a sparkly unitard.

If watching people contort their body in ways that don’t seem natural or do gymnastics in a net flying above the air isn’t something you find impressive, than this may not be for you. As for the rest, hopefully the majority of you, “Varekai” is what a good time out is all about, being able to just sit-back, relax and enjoy.